Category: Small 4x4s 
Price Range: £24,895 to £24,895
Nice looking, compact, classier than its Korean rivals.
Gutless petrol engine, uninspiring to drive, not that cheap.
No match for X-Trail, RAV4, CR-V or Freelander.
The steering is a little heavier than the over-light system in the Captiva, and its faster ratio is an improvement, but despite this - and the less wallowy suspension - it's still not exactly sporty. The high driving position is what many buyers are after, however, and a good view out all round: on these measures, the Antara meets expectations, and it's an undemanding, user-friendly vehicle to simply run around in.
The manual gearbox is a better option with the diesel engine (though it could do with a sixth gear for quieter, smoother high-speed cruising) than the power-sapping auto.
The Antara runs in front-wheel-drive mode most of the time, but the 4WD system can send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels if slippage is detected: no need to select or lock 4WD, as it's an automatic system which works in conjunction with the stability control and hill descent control. Should you wish to ask more of an Antara than coping with the school run or weekly shopping trip, it can tow up to 1,500kg (2.4 petrol), 1,700kg (2.0 diesel with auto gearbox) or 2,000kg (2.0 manual).
The petrol engine (138bhp/162lb-ft) is pretty gutless, despite a claimed top speed of 108mph and a 0-62mph time of 12.4 seconds; it runs out of puff mid-range, especially when climbing hills, and it's also rather loud and noisy.
The diesel (148bhp/236lb-ft) is theoretically little quicker (111mph and 0-62mph in 11.1mph for the manual, 110mph and 12.8sec from the auto) but feels altogether stronger, especially mid-range. It's by far the better option, and it's quieter and more refined as well. Shame there's no six-speed gearbox, though, as it's revving quite high at motorway speeds.
